Kazakhstan has expressed readiness to fully invest in the development of new trade corridors connecting Pakistan to Central Asian States (CASs) through China, aiming to replace existing challenging land routes with more efficient and reliable connectivity.
Kazakh Ambassador to Pakistan, Yerzhan Kistafin, conveyed the offer during a meeting with Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on Saturday. The envoy highlighted that the initiative would significantly boost bilateral and regional trade, creating fresh opportunities for economic cooperation.
Ambassador Kistafin also announced that Kazakhstan’s President will pay an official two-day visit to Pakistan in the first week of November, a trip expected to bring notable breakthroughs in bilateral relations. Ahead of the visit, both countries will form joint working groups in commerce and transport to finalise key agreements.
The envoy discussed existing trade routes, including the corridor from Kashgar to Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, and proposed upgrades to the Karachi–Chaman–Kandahar route to facilitate smoother trade flows.
Minister Abdul Aleem Khan welcomed Kazakhstan’s investment interest and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to establishing trade corridors through China, Afghanistan, and Iran. He stressed the importance of building an inter-country road network similar to the Karakoram Highway to strengthen regional connectivity.
Citing recent conferences in Belarus and Iran, the minister said regional countries have a pivotal role in enhancing cross-border trade via land routes. Pending matters with the National Logistics Cell (NLC) related to trade agreements were also reviewed in the meeting, attended by Federal Secretary for Communications Ali Sher Mehsud.
Related stories:
Pakistan, Kazakhstan to sign transit trade agreement
China, Kazakhstan to enhance ties for regional, global development
